Job Summary
We are seeking a qualified Social Worker to join our Family Help locality team. In this role you will work closely with children, their families, colleagues across the Directorate, and partner agencies to deliver support and intervention services aimed at promoting the wellbeing, safety and positive outcomes of children with a Family Help plan.
As the Family Help Lead Practitioner you will lead and manage a complex caseload, chair key meetings such as Child in Need, core group and strategy discussions, undertake risk assessments and safeguarding work, build restorative relationships with families and multi‑agency professionals, and maintain accurate records and clear reports, including court work.
Responsibilities
- Assess needs, identify risks and develop tailored Family Help Plans.
- Coordinate with partner agencies to ensure multi‑agency support.
- Chair and contribute to key meetings (Child in Need, core group, strategy).
- Carry out risk assessments and safeguarding work when concerns arise.
- Build strong, restorative relationships with families and professionals.
- Maintain accurate recording, report writing and contribute to decision‑making.
- Work within the statutory framework (Children Act 1989 & 2004, Working Together 2026).
Qualifications
- Qualified Social Worker (Social Work Degree, DipSW, CQSW or equivalent) with current Social Work England registration.
- Experience working with children and families in a statutory social care setting.
- Solid understanding of safeguarding, child protection, and relevant legislation and guidance.
- Confidence in assessing risk, analysing complex family dynamics and delivering effective interventions.
- Strong communication skills and ability to build trusted relationships.
- Organised and resilient, able to manage demanding workload and produce high‑quality reports.
- Confidence using IT systems and commitment to high standards of practice.
- Commitment to improving outcomes for children and families with values of trust, honesty, responsibility, inclusivity, and empathy.
Equal Opportunities
- We are part of the Disability Confident scheme.
- We support Armed Forces Veterans or Reservists as part of the Armed Forces Covenant.
- We support Herefordshire care leavers.
Sponsorship
We can provide Skilled Worker visa sponsorship for successful candidates who are already living in the UK and have a minimum of two years’ UK‑based experience in the relevant team or discipline.
Benefits
- Salary range of £36,363 – £40,777 per annum.
- Market rate supplement: £5,000 per annum.
- Welcome Payment: £10,000.
- Retention payment: £2,000 – £4,000 depending on team.
- Relocation packages: support up to £10,000.
- Professional development: protected time and budget.
- Enrolment in the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS).
- Career progression: clear pathways to progress.
- Annual leave: 31 days pro‑rated plus bank holidays; can purchase up to 10 additional days per annum.
- Flexible working: job‑sharing, part‑time and agile options.
- Employee Assistance Programme: 24/7 access to support and counselling.
- Professional membership fee payment (based on role requirements).
- Additional retail, leisure, holiday and health benefits including savings, cashback and discounts.
